[MassHistPres] How Heavy to Play It

[Shantia Anderheggen]

Jonathan:

This happened (numerous times) when I was the historic preservation planner in Newport RI. You might want to ask a few questions about the windows that were removed before making any decisions--are they still around (probably not, but it's worth asking), were they historic, are they repairable, etc? Allowing him to retain inappropriate replacements is a precedent you'll be addressing at almost every future window replacement request, I'm sure.

Shanti
                                                                                                                                                            
Shantia Anderheggen | Easement Administrator | Law Department
National Trust for Historic Preservation | 1785 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington DC 20036
Phone: 202.588.6159 | Fax: 202.588.6272 | Email: shantia_anderheggen at nthp.org

The National Trust for Historic Preservation helps people protect, enhance, and enjoy the places that matter to them. Become our newest member today! Learn more at www.PreservationNation.org

-----Original Message-----
From: masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu [mailto:masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu] On Behalf Of Jonathan Feist
Sent: Friday, December 17, 2010 11:21 AM
To: MHC MHC listserve
Subject: [MassHistPres] How Heavy to Play It

Hello,

A developer bought two houses in Harvard Common historical district  
and replaced all the original windows without an application. The new  
windows are your usual crappy contemporary window, with plastic  
stripes instead of muntins.

We sent a "cease and desist" type of letter when we saw this, and told  
him we needed an application. He claimed ignorance, though he actually  
went through the process once before, but said he was copying another  
window he saw used in the district (possible, but done long ago). He's  
submitting an application after the fact.

So, how heavy to play it? Insist that he replace the new windows with  
windows that we approve? That would be an extremely major expense, and  
he'd likely sue us over it. Let it go, just taking our lumps, and  
accepting that the damage is done? That sets a bad precedent.

Wondering about your thoughts.

Jonathan Feist, Chair
Harvard Historical Commission


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